ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS NETWORK 22 April 04 Crocodile Relocation Spurs Conservation in Botswana (Earthwatch Institute)
Capture of a "problem" crocodile by Earthwatch-supported scientists is the first stage in a community-run captive breeding program
When a four-meter-long Nile crocodile lost all fear of humans and began lunging at visitors to one of the lodges in Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana, wildlife officials considered the usual practice of lethal control. The concerted efforts of Earthwatch principal investigator Dr. Alison Leslie and her team allowed them to capture the animal and transport it to a crocodile farm for captive breeding.
"The fact that the animal is no longer a threat to anyone and he did not have to be shot, so his genes can be conserved, is a bonus for all involved," said Leslie, senior lecturer in the Department of Conservation Ecology at University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. The Nile crocodile is threatened over much of its range in sub-Saharan Africa. "Relocation is one of the many suggested management policies that we hope will alleviate conflict."
Conflict between humans and Nile crocodiles is a growing problem in Africa, as human populations continue to increase and encroach on wildlife habitat. Conflicts have recently been reported from 17 African countries within the range of the crocodiles, and Leslie receives reports of "problem" animals about once a month in the Okavango Delta region of Botswana.
Leslie's work with teams on the Earthwatch-supported Crocodiles of the Okavango project is designed to examine the habitat needs of wild crocodiles, determine their impact on local human populations, and recommend conservation solutions. She has just received permits, and already has the land and local support, to start a community-run crocodile farm that will stem hunting pressure on wild populations and provide a sustainable local economy.
"Animals such as this one will not be shot, but instead, captured and used as future breeding stock," said Leslie. "A certain percentage of the offspring will be released into the wild, while the rest will be sold to farmers, thereby establishing a sustainable utilization program directly benefiting the communities themselves."
The relocation effort also captured the attention of Botswana wildlife authorities, who were invited to assist and see, for the first time, how a crocodile can be captured and transported. Their growing interest has led to Leslie's team leading a training workshop for wildlife students and conservation officials, planned for August. This kind of impact is crucial, as wildlife authorities in Botswana currently lack the resources and expertise to effectively assess wild crocodile populations and alleviate conflicts.
As for the "problem" crocodile, he is no longer such a problem and he will still contribute to the next generation of Okavango crocodiles. He has settled down considerably in a holding pen with 30 other adult crocodiles, perhaps because most of them are females.
"More importantly, we have created an awareness and possibly changed a few minds with regards to crocodile conservation in Botswana," said Leslie.
Crocodile Relocation Spurs Conservation in Botswana